Customer Reviews

Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione (The Knights of Arrethtrae)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sir Kendrick and the Castle at Bel Lione is thoroughly engaging. I think the author is a genius with an amazing gift of showing through fiction what the heart of man is truly like. I was enthralled with the story and am amazed that the genre is categorized as teen fiction. Adults who love Medieval stories will enjoy this, too. The only thing that tipped me off was the lack of descriptive violence. When someone got killed they "ran into the blade" but that was as descriptive as it got. Even the sickest scene in the dungeon/torture chambers was easy to stomach despite the cat o nine tails being used on someone. I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to gore, so this book was perfect for me. At any rate, I enjoyed Chuck's lyrical style of writing so much I read several portions out loud to my husband. The author has an amazing "voice" for writing medieval fiction with castles and knights and I felt as if I were watching a movie as I read.

What made this story unique was the allegory to the New Testament ministry of Paul. Sir Kendrick reminded me of Paul and Duncan was a lot like Timothy. I loved the clear parallel to scripture and the emphasis on good versus evil, minus the witches and dragons and other mystical themes that are often found in fantasy novels. The story did contain some pretty scary wolves, though. I felt the terror from the attacks of evil. The moral lessons were fabulously knitted into the fabric of the story, and I was moved to tears several times over themes of forgiveness. It really isn't about what we say we believe, but it's about how we actually apply our faith in Christ to our lives. The author demonstrates this theme with perfection. You can't help being inspired by reading this book.

I have 2 sons in elementary school, and we have read everything Chuck Black has written. His Knights of Arrethrae series is even better than the Kingdom Series, and we loved that! I loved the story, and as we were reading it each night, I found it hard to put down. I confess I'd frequently read ahead after the boys were asleep! Not only is the story line captivating (to little boys as well as their Mom & Dad), the message and "moral" of the story is excellent. We did the discussion questions at the back of the book as a family, and it opened up all kinds of great family discussions about spiritual issues. After reading Chuck Black's books together as a family, the boys like to read them on their own, sometimes multiple times! I give this book a strong 5 star rating.

I love historical fiction and the medieval time period especially, clean fantasy (Lewis and Tolkien, of course), allegories if they're good ones (if I agree with the theology)--you get the picture. So this seemed like a good fit for me. However, I'm usually disappointed in the quality of modern writing, and some Christian fiction is completely unreadable. I hardly bother looking any more--I usually spend my reading time on nonfiction. I'm pleased to say that by the end of the book, I gave this a "pass" ("Whew!" the author is saying--'cause I'm a picky one!) and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and Chuck's other books eventually.

I thought the story was well told, the characters believable, and the allegory just strong enough but not overdone (which would distract from enjoyment of the tale). The Christian truths that were portrayed fit my own beliefs, and also gave me new things to think about. I like stories that stretch my thinking like this. (C.S. Lewis does it best.) I gave this just 4 stars because the writing style, although good, is not quite up there with the best literature (and I must reserve my 5-star rating so that it really means something!). I liked Chuck's descriptions and turns of phrase, and he strikes a good balance between too little detail and too much. Each chapter was well-constructed and ended with suspense, and overall, the story was tight and complete--no loose ends left to bug me later (I hate that!). Now that I've looked up his bio and read more about him, I'm amazed that a former fighter pilot and current engineer can also write good fiction (and where does he find the time, with that lovely big family?!).

As for the audio version, it was really interesting to have the sound effects and different voices (some done by the narrator, but not all...I couldn't always tell, but I'm sure he didn't do the women!). I liked the sound effects very much, from horses' hooves, to chirping birds in the woods, to growls of beasts, to various yells of pain when men were wounded in battle...and the variety and style of music between and behind the narration was also great. Very well done...and maybe now I'm talking myself into getting these all on audio! The narrator was very good, you could tell he really cared about his story, and my only small quibble was that he was just a bit overdramatic in places. Occasionally he even read the chapter numbers with enthusiasm! Funny. However, this is FAR preferable to the alternative. I've heard too many audiobooks (some read by the authors themselves) in which the narrator falls into a singsong reading style--as we all do sometimes, but it gets tiring after an hour or so.

So, overall, huzzah! for a good book and a good audiobook, and for the pleasure of looking forward to a nice long series which I see other readers heartily recommending. They say it only gets better...so wow! Maybe I'll get a bit overdramatic myself, by the end of it. =)

Have you ever read a book about knights on conquest and adversities that seem far greater than the hero? Well not a story like this one. One that's teeming with christian allergories. It starts off in the city of Trinalda where two knights of the Prince, Sir Kendrick and Sir Duncan, are training. These two knights, who the Prince has a plan for, are in for an adventure. Before they know it, they're on a journey against a unimaginable evil that is turning the hearts and minds of young people, everywhere, from the one true King. They receive help from a few others but even then, they are outnumbered. Not only that, but Sir Duncan is captured and there's a good chance his time is running short. Can they rescue Sir Duncan and stop the rebellion before it's too late?

This first installment of the Knights of Arrethtrae series is beyond imagination. Your heart and mind will get lost in the epic story and courageous characters. The christian allergories are instructive and exciting. I especially like the discussion questions at the end of the book. They give questions and talk about the main points of each chapter, honing in on the spiritual truths presented in the story. Scripture verses can also be found in the disscussion questions that help back up the teachings. Next time you're at a Christian bookstore, either in person or online, I highly recommend you buy this book. It's perfect for older kids and teens.

(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)

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This is a very good book! It is so well written it appeals to people of all ages even young boys who think they don't like to read. It is a page-turner, full of action and adventure. It is not "preachy" at all, yet it imparts good, sound moral values. It was shipped the next day and arrived well before the date estimated. It was in excellent condition just as the seller promised. Thanks, Amazon.

All of the Chuck Black Kingdom Series and now the Knights of Arrethtrae series Audio books are superb! This one is no exception. Have immensely enjoyed listening to it.

Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione, by Chuck Black was a really good book, but not perfect. I give it **** stars for three reasons. The first reason is that there was action throughout the whole book. The second reason is that this book was placed in Medieval times. The last reason is that Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione is the first book in the series. That means there is a lot more to look forward to in the next books. I really liked this book and I think you would too.

Sir Kendrick has a hard job training young knights to serve the Prince. One of his biggest challenges is Duncan, who is brash, outspoken, and a royal pain in the neck. The young man has a certain measure of charm, and a great deal of potential, but he's way too impulsive. Sir Kendrick and Duncan arrive in Chessington for a council of the knights, where they see a silver medallion engraved with an image of a sword held by a guantleted hand. Beside the sword is an image of a dragon suspended over the Kingdom of Arrenthtrae, with the words I Will Conquer printed below it. Everyone believes the medallion has something to do with Lucius, the Dark Knight. Sir Kendrick and Duncan are ordered to go to Attenbury and take part in a tournament, trying to identify the mystery knight. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are intriguing and deftly drawn and the reader is quickly pulled into a battle between the forces of good and evil. A strong fantasy story with a great faith message.

Son liked this series very much. He said it helped him learn more about God.

My 12 year old daughter LOVES these books! She hasn't been so excited about a series in a long time. I didn't know if it would appeal to her since she is kind of girly, but she LOVES them. They are exciting, but yet have enough female characters to keep her happy.